ERIN HICKS

Erin M. Hicks is an entrepreneur with a passion for great food and creative cooking. She ‘‘cut her teeth” in the culinary world as a young twenty-something restaurateur in Corpus Christi, Texas. She's been eating her way across Houston for the last fifteen+ years.

She also works as a hospitality and residential designer/decorator and realtor. Her vision has inspired the design of many well known restaurants around Houston. These include Helen Greek Food & Wine, El Big Bad, FM Kitchen & Bar, Tea & Victory, and Brooklyn Athletic Club. She currently resides in the flourishing, culture-filled city of Houston, Texas.

My books

houston SOUPS & Sips : houston SMALL PLATES & sips

DESSERTS : MEXICAN : SEAFOOD

Houston Soups & Sips

With more than twelve thousand restaurants among its four million residents, Houston has become an internationally respected culinary mecca, with some incredibly delicious cuisine. Houston Soups & Sips highlights sixty of the most sought-after soup recipes from the city’s favorite restaurant kitchens, along with wine and beer pairings for all. From James Beard award winner Justin Yu’s Mushroom-Kombu to The Original Carrabba’s beloved Lentil soup, chef William Wright’s Avgolemono from Helen Greek Food & Wine, Duck & Andouille gumbo from Prohibition Supper Club, Celery Root Veloute from Pax Americana, and dozens more, the recipes reflect the range and diversity of Houston’s cuisine. With each recipe being home-kitchen tested, there are plenty of musings and tips to ensure success for each irresistible, yet easy-to-prepare entry. Those who don’t cook, will still enjoy the book as a beautifully photographed reference guide, for where to eat in Houston.

Price: $24.95

Houston Small Plates & Sips

Informal and perfect for entertaining or a quiet evening, Houston Small Plates & Sips serves more than 100 small plate and cocktail recipes, along with beer and wine pairing suggestions. Each recipe is accompanied with a stunning photograph and personal tips from chefs, mixologists and sommeliers. It's a great book for dreaming or designing a spectacular dine-around at home. Recreate multi-course tasting menus from Houston's most acclaimed restaurants. Select REEF's Shrimp Shooters, Uchi's Salad, Mockingbird Bistro Wine Bar's Braised Short Ribs, Killen's Steakhouse's Duck Confit Tostadas or maybe Brie Mostarda from The Tasting Room, followed by Pastry Chef Rebecca Masson's Poached Plum Financiers or Brasserie 19's Butterscotch Tarts. When everyone applauds, simply smile and bask in the glow. Houston Small Plates & Sips is where the small plates phenomenon meets the perfect cocktail, beer and wine pairings. Houston continues to wow the culinary world, rising steadily in the rankings of cities showcasing America's best chefs, restaurants and outstanding wine and spirits professionals. Now you can entertain like a professional too. That's a promise.

Price: $24.95

Houston Classic Desserts

This treasure trove of forty signature desserts illustrated with sumptuous photographs has been home-kitchen tested and is accompanied by musings, restaurant lore, and behind-the-scenes peeks at Houston's stellar establishments. From the glory of Tony's Apricot Soufflé and Mockingbird Bistro's Warm Bittersweet Chocolate Torte to the magnificence of Arturo's Crèma Catalana, the home cook can reconstruct each dish with confidence and then smugly bask in the accolades. Imagine wowing your dinner guests with the drama of Artista's Delirio de Chocolate, the luscious, creamy texture of Flan de Queso from Hugo's, or the delicate grace of Chez Nous's Chocolate Cabernet Tart.

Price: $19.95

Houston Classic Mexican Recipes

Buen provecho! from Houston's best Mexican kitchens. With close ties to Mexico, it's no wonder that Houston offers such a peppery punch when it comes to flavorful Mexican cuisine. From Lobster Enchiladas from Cyclone Anaya's and Poblano Soup from Molina's to Tamales from Taco Milagro, Pork Belly Torta from Haven, and Wedding Cookies from El Bolillo, each entry in this vibrant addition to Pelican's Classic Recipes Series represents the favorite flavors from the best and most beloved Mexican restaurants in Houston.

Price: $19.95

Houston Classic Seafood

Treasures of the sea from the Space City. With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its proclivity for fine dining, innovative cuisine, and general good taste, Houston boasts a diverse collection of chefs and restaurants specializing in seafood. This collection of the best seafood dishes from the city's favorite eateries includes Sweet Shrimp Ceviche from Branch Water Tavern, Peanut Crusted Soft Shell Crab from Haven, and Jumbo Lump Crab Cake from Vick & Anthony's. More than 50 delectably photographed dishes showcase the essential Houston seafood experience, spiced with Cajun, Creole, Asian, and Latin American influences.